Hamilton 10k GOLD-FILLED K456 (1956)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This distinguished Hamilton Automatic K-456 captures the elegance of mid-century American watch design combined with Swiss precision. Produced during Hamilton’s celebrated "K-Series" era, this timepiece features a sophisticated gold-filled case with a stainless steel back, offering both durability and a refined aesthetic. The sunburst silver dial, adorned with playful applied gold dot markers and Arabic numerals, makes this a charming dress watch that embodies the optimism and style of the 1950s. Brand: Hamilton Model: "10k GOLD-FILLED" Reference Number: K-456 Serial Number: L756090 Movement: Automatic Caliber 661 Dial: Silver sunburst with applied gold numerals and markers Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: 10K Gold Filled Bezel with Stainless Steel Back Production Year: c. 1956 Condition: Excellent vintage condition Dial and Hands The watch features a stunning silver sunburst dial that catches the light beautifully. It is furnished with applied gold Arabic numerals at the cardinal points and distinctive applied gold dot markers for the remaining hours, creating a whimsical yet elegant look. The gold-tone dauphine hands are sharp and legible, showing only very minor oxidation consistent with age. The text remains crisp, with the "Hamilton" and "Automatic" signatures clearly visible. Case and Crystal The 34mm case is constructed with a 10K gold-filled bezel and a stainless steel caseback, a combination that ensures longevity. The case retains strong definition with elegant, slightly flared lugs that add character to the silhouette. The crown is the correct original signed version featuring the stylized Hamilton "H" logo. The acrylic crystal is clear and free of distracting marks, allowing an unobstructed view of the dial. Movement Powering this timepiece is the reliable Hamilton Caliber 661 automatic movement, a 17-jewel mechanism derived from the robust Certina base calibers of the era. The movement is clean, displaying the Hamilton branding on the rotor, and is running within vintage tolerances, offering reliable vintage performance for daily wear. On latest timegrapher test, the result were between 62-95 s/d Strap The watch is fitted with a new dark brown leather strap with an alligator grain pattern. The rich color of the leather complements the gold tones of the case perfectly, securing the watch comfortably to the wrist with a gold-tone pin buckle. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is remarkably well-preserved with a clean surface and bright indices. The case shows only light handling marks and hairline scratches typical of a watch from this period, with no significant gold wear-through on the bezel. The movement is clean and functioning correctly. Dimensions The case measures 34 mm in diameter excluding the crown, a classic size for vintage dress watches that sits discreetly under a shirt cuff. The lug width accommodates standard vintage straps, maintaining balanced proportions on the wrist. Remarks The Hamilton K-456 is a quintessential example of 1950s dress watch design, representing a transitional period where Hamilton began incorporating high-grade Swiss automatic movements into their catalog. The combination of the "H" signed crown, the specific K-456 model designation inside the caseback, and the lovely applied dot dial makes this a desirable piece for collectors of American heritage brands. History Founded in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1892, the Hamilton Watch Company became legendary for producing "The Watch of Railroad Accuracy." By the 1950s, Hamilton was innovating with electric watches like the Ventura but continued to produce high-quality automatic mechanical watches like this "K-Series" line. These models were part of Hamilton's strategic shift to compete with Swiss imports, blending American case designs with robust Swiss automatic movements to offer the best of both worlds. /Second Vintage SKU: HAM-HAL-0001